Software
Houzz Logo Print
vanessa_smith74

Need help finding stock plan like my drafts

4 days ago

I had these drawn up by a drafter, but after some less than ideal circumstances, we decided to go a different route. I have spent countless hours scrolling through websites trying to find a similar house plan, or one that can be modified slightly to match it. It seems to be difficult because max width needs to be around 40 ft and I've combined center hall colonial floor plan with a little modern take. I've even emailed the floor plan sites to help me find a match. Any help would be greatly appreciated.





Comments (18)

  • PRO
    4 days ago
    last modified: 4 days ago

    What's wrong with what you have now, and why do you now want a stock plan?

    Your plan does need work, so why go for similar instead of better?

  • PRO
    4 days ago

    WHY aren't you working with an architect? Instead of trying to Frankenstein several dead bodies together? Something original is obviously what you need.

  • PRO
    4 days ago

    Find a local competent architect and design a house with them that meets your needs and fits your site.

    Unless you have some odd needs, the plan you posted has poor spacial relationships, wasted space, barn doors, and lacks continuity.

  • PRO
    4 days ago

    Stock plans - most of the time they still need local engineering, etc so you're only getting floor plans and elevations - like you already have. (I've bought a few over the years).

  • 4 days ago

    The 2-story open foyer and 2-story open living room, connected by a catwalk, is a 1990s plan, and not features that people want these days.

    Lots of issues in those layouts with noise transmission and being able to evenly heat/cool the spaces.

  • 4 days ago
    last modified: 4 days ago

    Goood night, y'all are aggressive. There's reasons why rooms are in the locations they are-without a detailed explanation we are working with a limited plot width due to a creek being on 2 sides, and we're trying maximize views. I also understand that the kitchen needs a lot of work, which is why I was asking for a similar stock plan as far as layout because usually those are more realistic. Though some comments did have really good points and I'm open to feedback, I really like my layout because it works with our land and lifestyle; please just be helpful with what I was requesting otherwise ignore my post.

  • PRO
    4 days ago

    due to a creek being on 2 sides


    Which sides?


    When you have constraints as you do, it's really helpful to have a good designer on the team. That's not you, and probably not a drafter.

    Someone to talk you out of the double height spaces and only bricking the front.

    Stock plans are designed for generic lots, not to take advantage of specific site conditions.


    Could you post a plot plan showing the building site, the creek, setbacks etc?

    You may need to give up the symmetrical colonial concept to get the best floor plan.


  • PRO
    4 days ago

    "I have spent countless hours scrolling through websites trying to find a similar house plan, or one that can be modified slightly to match it."

    What are you going to do if you do not find a stock plan that you like?

    Have you put an hourly rate on the "countless hours scrolling through websites" to see how much you have spent so far chasing something that may not exist?

    Advice is not bad just because it is not what you want to hear.

    Talk to a local architect or a few and see if you think they can help you, they do not bite.


  • 4 days ago

    Include the site info- where the creek is, where the views are, which side faces south, what's your climate. The plan has many specific specs that a priori take it out of the stock plan universe. Design for your circumstances. Time is necessary or hire someone else.

  • 4 days ago

    There seem to be some unique needs for the layout. It looks standard at first glance, but a second later the unusual placements appear. Have you searched five-bedroom with first floor master, no attached garage, plans? A local architect can help you fine-tune your layout needs, and design cohesive elevations.

  • PRO
    4 days ago
    last modified: 4 days ago

    One good house design tip is to pretend each side of a house faces the street and is highly visible.



    Looking at the design posted, I would assume there are no views to be had from the interior of the house to the exterior of the house.

  • PRO
    4 days ago

    You may think we are all "aggressive" here, but yours is a dilemma that many of us Houzzers have seen time and again here. Spending hours scrolling looking for a design plan that perfectly fits your needs is like chasing your tail. You'd be better served to hire a competent architect.

    Here are my comments:

    1. I love the front elevation of your home--I'm a big fan of Colonial architecture. However, the other 3 sides are not attractive. Window placement could be improved.

    2. Two-story rooms waste a lot of space--you can maximize your budget and your space by building a home with 9 or 10 foot ceilings. You gain rooms on the second floor by eliminating the 2-story rooms, but still don't feel cramped.

    3. Do you need a tiny breakfast nook and a small dining room? Why not have one large dining area?

    4. Your laundry room is taking up valuable real estate on a corner, and eliminates light and air from that corner of the house.

    5. Your kitchen looks cramped--the sink and stove/range being directly opposite each other creates a pinch point.

    6. The corner pantry is a waste of space--it juts into the kitchen, and you could get the same amount of storage from a reach-in pantry.

    7. What is the library for? It's bigger than the dining room.

    8. The master bedroom opening up right at the front door is not a good idea from a privacy perspective.

  • PRO
    3 days ago

    There are several odd design decisions made in the design posted, but this bathroom layout is my favorite.

    I strongly advise you to seek a competent local architect to design a home with you that meets your needs and fits your site; Your "drafter" has done you a monumental disservice.

  • 3 days ago

    Your drafter should have moved the door towards the corner after reversing the swing in the above bathroom. Hours of work?

  • 2 days ago
    last modified: 2 days ago

    A tiny bathroom upstairs with a door that can't even open 90 degrees ... and all that wasted 2-story open space right there, that could be used for a better layout.

  • yesterday

    After my kneecaps are broken from the bathroom door, I get to hobble somewhere with a view of the first floor.

  • PRO
    yesterday

    unclear if there is enough space to design the stairs to code. higher main level ceilings will add to this.

    utility door should be at least 32" minimum

    most of the time we need 54" to fit a toilet & get code min clearance in front


    if you're designing to a specific square footage for costs, keep in mind that "wet" rooms (kit/baths/utility) are 2-3x the cost of basic living space